Ducks' cap space explained

Don't feel bad if you're puzzled about the NHL salary cap and its many ramifications. Join the club.

In the wake of their flurry of four deals before Wednesday's trade deadline, the Ducks had about $4.5 million in salary-cap space, a figure that diminished to about $4 million after Thursday's recall of rookie defenseman Brett Festerling from the Iowa Chops of the American League.

That does not mean, however, that the Ducks will spend that much less money than this season's $56.7 million NHL salary limit.

In reality, the Ducks are on track to spend approximately $57.4 million this season, or some $700,000 above the cap. Confused yet?

The amount above the salary cap is an allowable result of exemptions for players, including defenseman Francois Beauchemin and left wing Brad Larsen, who have been on the long-term injury list much or all of this season.

The $4 million in cap space leaves the Ducks ample room for any necessary minor-league call-ups the remainder of the season.

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